Following the DNCG`s ruling to administratively relegate Olympique Lyonnais to Ligue 2 due to ongoing financial issues, this development has unexpectedly provided a second chance for another club. Stade de Reims, which was relegated from Ligue 1 last season after losing their promotion/relegation play-off against Metz, stands to benefit from Lyon`s demotion.
Lyon (known as Les Gones) plans to appeal the DNCG`s decision, and the final outcome is pending the appeal hearing. However, if Lyon`s relegation is ultimately upheld, Reims (Les Rouges et Blancs) would likely be reinstated to Ligue 1, despite their previous relegation. As the highest-ranked team among those relegated from the top flight last season, Reims is the most probable candidate to fill the vacancy created by Lyon`s demotion, thus gaining an unexpected opportunity to remain in Ligue 1.
The DNCG`s decision to relegate OL to the second division stems from persistent poor financial management. The French football financial regulator had previously issued a provisional relegation threat to Les Gones in the winter, conditional on the club improving its financial health. Owner John Textor reportedly failed to satisfy the DNCG that the club`s financial standing had improved sufficiently to avert administrative relegation.
